After San Cristobal, we went to Santa Cruz (more on that on the next post). Todd's friend, John, was flying out of Baltra Airport off Santa Cruz so we thought it would be nice to spend a few more days with him in Santa Cruz. He left the boat the Tuesday, Feb. 25.

We picked up the anchor and headed for Isabella. Arrived at 4:30ish then safely anchored by 5:10pm after 2 attempts and moves as so rocky plus there was a barge closeby). Virtual checkin (no agents came on board this time) so after we got the approval, we took the water taxi in and walked to town. The dock is a 15-20 minute walk to town. There is a paved road to the "Isabella Galapagos" sign then its all unpaved roads everywhere. Clark was missing "regular" food so he chose our dinner spot, Gracias Madre (mexican). It was busy and we were forewarned that food would come out slower but we were okay with that. Beers and burritos were okay - done by 9pm. Got ice cream then walked back to dock. Had to call in for a water taxi and we were told "5 minutes" which is more like 10-15 minutes.

February 26
We have tour this morning - Cabo Rosa Tunnels. Cabo Rosa is the result of lava platforms that collapsed into the sea, which created hundreds of lava tunnels and bridges of lava, above and below the water. The tunnels are a marine paradise and is a spectacular place to spot marine life while snorkeling in the clear waters surrounded by scenic lava formations of different colors and clear blue sky. The lava tunnels are home to many species such as white tip reef sharks, manta rays, seahorses, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, giant mantas, colorful fish and blue-footed boobies.

These lava tunnels were formed millions of years ago when the lava flows from the volcanos on the island were solidified on the outside, thanks to their contact with the water, while remaining liquid on the inside, leaving the lava tunnels which have been eroded by the elements over thousands of years.

Up early and had to be at Abermarle tour operator by 7:30am. Got fitted in for a shortie, Todd got coffee and some breakfast then walked back. Ride back to the dock then we had a 45-minute boat ride for Los Tuneles. Stopped at a rock beforehand and saw some Nazca boobies and sea lions. Ride to Los Tuneles for snorkeling. Amazing - lots of sea turtles (large!) and fish, sharks, sea horses (by mangrove roots). Spent 1+ hours in the water. Back in the boat - hot tea and sandwiches and drinks. Ride to the lava tunnels for a 20-30 minute walk. Saw baby blue-footed boobie! Back to boat then back to Puerto Villamil just before the rain started. Arrived by 2pm. Back to the boat. Relaxed and took nap. Back out for dinner. Walked by the beach, bought some empanadas, then dinner at The Beach Restaurant. From there walked to Pink Iguana Bar where Todd got some drinks. Walked back to the dock with Chillalot.

February 26 Photos

February 27
We had another tour scheduled for the Sierra Negra Volcanos. Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the best hikes on Isabela Island with active volcanoes. Isabella has 5 active volcanoes and the last time this volcano erupted was in 2018.

Our tour operator picked us up at the dock and drove us to town. Open bus ride to the bottom of Sierra Negra volcano. 10 mile hike, 27000 steps. Caldera (crater opening) is 10km wide. Last eruption was in 2018. Also walked to Volcan Chico. Rained on the way down and we were all wet. Back to town by 2pm. Clark went back to the boat while we went to the mini markets to buy some fresh produce. Took a taxi back to the boat. Relaxed and took a nap. Bob and Martha came over for dinner around 7:30pm (Todd picked them up). They brought yellowfin tuna and I pan fried it. Served it with rice and tomato/cucumber relish. Martha also brought a green salad. Watched Office Space then they left at 10:30pm.

February 27 Photos

February 28
Boat chores this morning. Did laundry. Todd worked on the main sail. Sunny then rainy afternoon. Anchorage quieter as most boats have left for Santa Cruz. Went to town around 7:30pm and ended up taking dinghy as water taxi wasn't coming. Walked to town and ate at Dolphins Restaurant for pre-fix meal. Got ice cream and ran into Salinity. They came with us and we brought them back. Low tide, hit a rock, and went really slow back to the boats. Arrived at 9:30pm. Got ready to leave and left anchorage at 10:30pm.